What about Biotechnology?
There is a huge push in the Phoenix metropolitan area by both government and academia to grow a biotechnology industry here. If this industry does continue to grow in Phoenix as it is hoped, htere will be numerous opportunities for electronics technicians. The equipment used in biotechnology is highly complex and requires Electronics Technicians for installation, calibration, and maintenance. Because of this, it is anticipated that there will be a demand for Electronics Technicians in this growing industry. Here is how one biotechnology organization describes the career.
Instrument / Calibration Technician
An entry-level instrument/calibration technician is responsible for performing maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair on a variety of circuits, components, analytical equipment, and instrumentation. He or she also calibrates instrumentation, performs validation studies, and specifies and requests purchase of components. He or she analyzes results, may develop test specifications and electrical schematics, and maintains logs and required documentation. An instrument/calibration technician also maintains spare parts inventories and may prepare technical reports with recommendations for solutions to technical problems. An associate degree in electronics technology or equivalent is required, as is a minimum of 0 to 2 years' related experience.Source: "Biotechnology: The Choice for Your Future. A Resource Guide." Washington, D.C.: Biotechnology Industry Organization.
Here is an example local biotech job opening for an ET:
Be aware that there are multiple types of careers for Associate Degree holders in this industry, and not all of them require an Electronics background. For example, this industry also employs "operators" who operate the equipment, following recipes and performing experiments for the scientists and engineers. These employees do not need an electronics degree.
This illustrates the versatile nature of Electronics Technology as a career. ET's are needed in all industries that use complex electronic equipment. This provides some long-term security; as some industries decline, the ET's in that industry can move into other industries.